Minimum number of half-sib families to represent a carrot population

Abstract

The objective of this work was to present a method to determine the minimum number of half-sib families to represent a carrot population aiming to provide consistent and stable estimates of key genetic parameters, in order to develop new cultivars. A simulation technique was conducted according to the package Genes Program. The results demonstrated that the minimum number of families depended on the trait and genetic parameter used. The results of the simulation analysis indicated that 67 is the minimum number of families required to provide reliable estimate of the genetic parameters in a carrot population under multitrait selection systems.